Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting dish that combines hearty ingredients into a warm and satisfying soup. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packs a flavorful punch. The blend of beans, vegetables, and tender pasta makes it a nutritious choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to share with friends, this Easy Pasta e Fagioli will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: With rich flavors from ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, each spoonful warms the soul.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and veggies, this soup offers protein and fiber in every bowl.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a hearty appetizer; serve it with bread or salad for a complete meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution; perfect for simmering soups while enhancing flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, preventing slips and accidents during prep.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts through ingredients, making preparation quicker and safer.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices

For the Beans

• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans or great northern beans drained

For the Vegetables

• 3 sticks celery chopped finely
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced

For Seasoning

• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (or add more to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

For the Pasta

• 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

How to Make Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Place the beef in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks until just browned. It’s fine not to drain excess fat at this stage for added flavor.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook these together for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, both canned beans, chicken broth, red apple vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer partially covered for about 15–20 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Introduce the uncooked ditalini pasta into the pot. Continue simmering until the pasta is tender—this should take another 15–20 minutes. Keep the lid slightly ajar while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you want leftovers later on, cook pasta separately and add it per serving.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finally, taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Easy Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the dish beautifully.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful twist that adds richness.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy a cheesy finish.
• Mozzarella Chunks: Add small chunks of mozzarella for a creamy texture that melts into the soup.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Store in Containers: Portion out servings in airtight containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.
• Freeze Portions: Freeze individual portions for quick dinners on busy nights.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli

To enhance your Easy Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use Quality Broth: A rich chicken broth adds depth of flavor, making your soup even more satisfying.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, tasting as you go to find the right balance.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to rest after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together, enhancing overall taste.
• Experiment with Beans: Swap in different beans like black beans or pinto beans for varied textures and flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to complement this hearty soup:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens balances the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful addition to your table.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
4. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, peppers, and artichokes offers variety and enhances Italian flavors.
5. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches made with your favorite bread add comfort alongside the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make a filling side that complements the soup’s heartiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Pasta e Fagioli can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long in the soup, it can become mushy. To avoid this, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each serving.
• Neglecting seasoning: Not adjusting the seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste your soup before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Skipping simmering time: Rushing the simmering process can result in underdeveloped flavors. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for a richer taste.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth will impact your soup’s overall flavor. Use high-quality chicken broth or homemade broth for a better taste.
• Not chopping vegetables finely enough: Large vegetable pieces may not cook evenly. Make sure to chop your onions, carrots, and celery finely for better texture throughout.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Canned beans can have excess sodium or preservatives. Always rinse them before adding to the soup for a cleaner taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Pasta e Fagioli.

What is Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and small pasta. It’s rich in flavor and very satisfying.

Can I customize my Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or even swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

How do I make Easy Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, skip the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or legumes for protein.

What type of pasta works best in Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells that will hold up well in soup.

Can I prepare Easy Pasta e Fagioli ahead of time?

Yes! This soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is not just simple to make; it’s also versatile and packed with flavor. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Don’t hesitate to try this comforting recipe today!